Islam Slimani has stated that the presence of compatriot Riyad Mahrez was ‘decisive’ in his decision to join Leicester City.
Islam Slimani has told the Algerian football federation’s website that Riyad Mahrez played a key role in his transfer to the King Power Stadium.
Leicester City will be competing in the Champions League for the first time in their history this season and in order to equip the Foxes for the competition, manager Claudio Ranieri has brought in a host of quality players over the summer.
The likes of Ahmed Musa, Nampalys Mendy, Bartosz Kapustka and Ron-Robert Zieler are just some of the high profile names to have arrived at Leicester over the past few months, but the signing which has arguably caught the imagination of the fans is that of Slimani.
Slimani arrived at Leicester from Sporting Lisbon for a club record fee of around £28 million during the final few days of the transfer window and given the 28-year-old’s astonishing goal-scoring record, it is no surprise to see the Foxes’ faithful getting excited over his arrival.
Leicester have to be credited for being able to lure such a high profile player to the club and it has now been revealed by Slimani that the Foxes were aided in their pursuit of his services by star man Mahrez.
Speaking to the Algerian football federation’s website, Slimani stated that he followed Leicester very closely last season and added that the presence of compatriot Mahrez ultimately convinced him to join the Foxes.
He said, “It’s a great pride especially for a local player. To come from the lowest to sign for the Champions of England, I think it’s a great pride for me and for my family.
“Mahrez told me everything about the team and the Leicester fans. I won’t deny that I’ve also followed a lot of Leicester games last season. His presence at the club was decisive in my choice because I know he will help me a lot.”
Slimani scored an impressive 31 goals in just 44 appearances for Sporting last season and he could prove to be crucial for Leicester if they are to do well in the Champions League.
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